The surge in family violence in Fiji’s Western Division has led Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, to advocate for immediate and impactful intervention. During her remarks at the recent soft reopening of the Salvation Army Family Care Center in Lautoka, she highlighted alarming statistics indicating that two-thirds of women and five out of six children suffer from abuse, which places Fiji among the highest rates of family violence globally.
Minister Kiran stressed the “devastating and lasting psychological effects” of violence, particularly when it originates from family members who are meant to provide protection. Alarmingly, the Western Division accounted for 40% of domestic violence and child abuse cases in 2020, with figures only slightly better at 37% in 2024. This level of violence affects over 5,000 families, suggesting that many incidents likely go unreported.
Kiran urged community members, particularly elders and leaders, to examine their roles and seek ways to reverse these troubling trends. She acknowledged the Salvation Army’s vital role in providing refuge and services for victims, such as counseling and economic empowerment, emphasizing the need for more robust community efforts to address root causes of violence.
While acknowledging government initiatives like the National Action Plan on Violence Against Women and Children, Kiran reiterated that substantial change must arise from collective community action. Collaboration between the police, counseling organizations, and local centers is crucial to supporting vulnerable families and fostering an environment where all individuals, especially women and children, feel safe and valued.
This call for action reflects ongoing concerns raised by Kiran regarding domestic violence in Fiji, further underscoring the importance of heightened awareness and proactive measures. By coming together, the community can create a safer, more compassionate society.
Overall, this situation serves as a potent reminder that collective efforts can lead to transformative change, nurturing a future where family homes are sanctuaries of safety and respect.
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